Eight Coastal Carolina University students have been named as the 2016 Jackson Scholars, a student leadership program sponsored by the University's Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values.

The members of the 2016 Jackson Scholars class are: Shadaisha Hamilton, a political science major from Bluffton, S.C.; Timothy Hellaby, a history major from Myrtle Beach. S.C.; Ashley Jordan, a physical education from Conway, S.C.; Yaicha Ocampo, an English and philosophy major from Moncks Corner, S.C.; Ethan Olkovikas, a communications major from Goffstown, N.J.; Jason Renne, an English major from Lewisburg, Pa.; Carlie Todd, a history and intelligence/national security major from Murrells Inlet; and Nicholas Smith, an intelligence and national security major from Goose Creek, S.C.

The Jackson Scholars is a leadership program that helps talented students develop into future leaders of high personal integrity. Students are selected based on academic merit, leadership potential and interest in ethics.

As a part of the program, Jackson Scholars are required to complete two years of ethical leadership studies in the classroom and spend two semesters as counselors through the Summer Ethics Academy. Students also have the opportunity to participate in an ethics-focused community internship.

The Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values was founded in 2004 by area business and civic leaders Nelson and Mary Emily Platt Jackson. The primary focus of the Jackson Center is to cultivate awareness throughout the academic and surrounding communities of the importance and lifelong rewards of personal and professional integrity.